By Azernews

By Laman Ismayilova

The art of carving may be as old as civilization itself. Selecting rough woods and stones and shaping them to a predetermined design is an art mastered by human beings in olden times, while durable stone carvings often outlasted the cultures that created them. 

Modern sculptors have access to new materials such as plastic and artificial stone, but still many prefer natural materials to create enduring works of art.

Zulfugar Zeynalov, a resident of Nakhchivan, is famous for his unique art works made of salt stone.

Zeynalov creates art works by carving salt rocks, which is available in Nakhchivan. His collection includes 30 sculptures, including tar, kamancha, "Symbol of Islamic Values", "Divine inscription", "Nakhchivanqala", etc.

“I saw video shootings from exhibitions in various countries and it inspired me,” the artist told Azertac. “I started with carving of different souvenirs and monuments from wood. In 2004, I carved a sword of salt stone. It was my first work from this material.”

Zeynalov says that it is not so easy to work with salt rock. The rock does not have to be "glossy" and one should be more accurate and careful when working with this material. This art requires patience, patience, talent and passion, the artist says.

The master stressed that his greatest desire is to create a monument of national leader Heydar Aliyev.

He is currently working on a composition called "Lamp in the vineyard". The artist further mentioned that he is ready to donate all his works to a museum, which will soon be established in the city.

In mid September, Chairman of the Supreme Assembly of Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic Vasif Talibov signed an order on the establishment of "Nakhchivan Salt Museum".

Nakhchivan, one of the oldest regions not only in Azerbaijan, but also in the world, is home to a wonderful salt cave - Duzdag. The area with 130 million tons of natural salt reserve is located 12 kilometers from Nakhchivan city. 

In 2006-2011, French archaeologists conducted research in Nakhchivan and concluded that the Duzdag mines are, most likely, the oldest in the world.